What to choose: Bitdefender or Avast? Find out which one is better for your PC security

Bitdefender VS AvastBitdefender VS Avast

This article is dedicated to identifying which software is better in a battle of Bitdefender vs. Avast. We will run through the essential aspects and compare them between those two products. You will get a detailed comparison of both software, and in the end, you will understand which software is better.

There is no alternative to safety, especially on the internet, as with every new day, as the advancement in technology progresses, we are relying wholly on it. We leave everything from our personal data to our payment information at the mercy of the internet and our digital devices such as smartphones and personal computers.

Cybercriminal seems to understand the fact of our dependence on such tools, which is why new and more destructive forms of viruses and sniffing are being created daily. There has also been an increasing number of cyber-attacks, and according to various reliable facts, more than 10 billion different variations of malware and ransomware attacks were recorded in 2018 alone. It is also not a surprise that data scientists collect 350k different samples of malware daily.

  avastBitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast bitdefenderBitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast

Antivirus protection

9.9 10

System-performance impact

9.5 9.8

User interface

10 8

Popularity

8

9
Overall rating 9.5

9.8

Pricing From $55.99 / 1 device / year

From $19.99 / 3 devices / year

For a person who considers that the data they keep on their device is valuable and it should be protected at all cost, then the only viable solution to fixing such an issue is opting for the services of anti-virus software. Windows OS, which is by far the number one platform used by everyone around the world, offers its Window Defender anti-virus program as a built-in feature. However, the technology cannot tackle the much stronger viruses that can result in data loss, corruption, or even data theft in the form of a ransomware attack.

It is why we have arranged for a comparison article based on two of the top antivirus programs in the world today, Avast and BitDefender. This article is for everyone looking to up their game and wish to spend some money to get the much-needed protection they deserve. We will be looking into their price plans, different features, their interface, and much more in this thorough guide, which will assist you in making the right decision.

As the name suggests, an antivirus program is the one that nullifies the damage of a virus, which comes in several shapes and forms. In the general term, an antivirus is a utility offered by many software vendors in the world, that protect a user’s computer and whole network of data that they use from viruses that could leave cause extreme harm. These viruses have a tendency to destroy the computer’s hardware, encrypt their data beyond reach through ransomware, leak out a person’s payment info through Trojan horses, and much more.

An anti-virus not only detects the virus, but it instantly moves the infected file to a quarantine zone and leaves it up to you to be killed, ignored, or disinfected. With the growing number of virus attack around the world, it is the need of the hour for the person to browse through the internet more carefully, or at the very least arrange for some precautions such as an anti-virus program.

Bitdefender vs Avast comparison summary:

We will base our article on the following factors, which will help in figuring out which anti-virus program is better than the other.

  • Pricing – BitDefender is far cheaper than Avast through and through;
  • Antivirus Protection – Both programs fared well with providing the required protection against malware and other viruses, but BitDefender had a touch better performance than Avast;
  • Features – Avast Secure line VPN is among the top-rated VPNs in the world, so it wins this round.
  • System-Performance Impact – Both programs didn’t put too much stress on the functioning of their respective computers, according to the AV tests, so this round is a Tie.
  • User Interface – Avast has come a long way in tuning its interface, but BitDefender allows the user to customize the whole interface, based on the user’s ability to handle the program;
  • Popularity – Avast is unarguably the more well-known of the anti-virus vendors, but according to the latest stats of OPSWAT, BitDefender has surpassed the market share and wins this round as well.
  • Customer Support Service – BitDefender this round as well mainly to the added option to call the facility along with the live chat facility, which enables the user to solve their issues more efficiently.

You can also check out the table below to understand the critical differences between the two antivirus programs if you do not possess the time to go through every detail of our complete guide:

Lets find out which antivirus is better in 2020: Bitdefender or Avast?

Nowadays, due to an increasing number of malicious files ready to destroy your data and computers, getting an anti-virus program is a no brainer. But committing for software by paying for it for a long time should be taken seriously. Several applications in the world offer you the things that you wish to use on the PC, but they disappoint mostly when the time of action arrives, and they are unable to delete the virus or save your PC or other devices from it.

However, we have arranged for a comparative analysis of two of the most popular anti-virus program that put money where their mouth is and performs well in a crisis when the user needs them the most. These two programs that kill every possible virus in the book are Bitdefender and Avast. Not only do they offer you full-blown safety against viruses such as worm, malware, ransomware, and trojan horses, but they also offer plans for a much safer online browsing experience through their intuitive interface. It makes the job hard for the average much harder on which anti-virus to pick for protection?

If you are struggling for answers with the question mentioned above, then you must not worry as we will compare both of them with regards to their features, user-interface, pricing, and other aspects. We will also give you a verdict so that by the end, when you finish reading our analysis, you will be able to make the decision firmly without any doubt left.

Bitdefender offers more attractive pricing plans than Avast

If you wish to get the best possible product to tackle the worst kind of virus, then you need to spend some money on an anti-virus, which is in no means easy on the pocket. In this section of the article, we will make a soft comparison of the different price plans of both Avast and BitDefender. It will help in developing an idea for you on how to manage your budget and get the most suitable program for virus protection. Before you get the service, it is also worth mentioning that you need to decide that on how many computers do you want to use the anti-virus, as the price plans vary for multi-device support, and the cost tends to increase with the number of PCs.

BitDefender’s Plan:

As of January 2020, BitDefender 5 different kinds of plans for the users of the Windows operating system, due to the popularity and its control of the market share as compared to macOS. It has a basic package that starts up from $24.99, which offers all types of simple protection from viruses to one device for a year.

bitdefender productsbitdefender products

The most expensive packages come at $74.99, which supports up to 10 devices for a full year. We have arranged for the various price plans and their device support on several platforms:

  • Bitdefender Antivirus Plus – $24.99(up to 3 devices/year), available on Windows PC;
  • Bitdefender Internet Security – $34.99(up to 3 devices/year), available on Windows PC
  • Bitdefender Total Security – $39.99(up to 5 devices/year), available on Win, macOS, iOS, and Android;
  • Bitdefender Premium Security – $74.99(up to 10 devices/year), available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android;
  • Bitdefender Small Office – $74.99(up to 10 devices/year), available on Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android;

 

Bitdefender product comparison bitdefenderBitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast
Antivirus Plus
bitdefenderBitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast
Internet Securtiy
bitdefenderBitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast
Total Securty
Protection Level Basic Advanced Complete
Intelligent Antivirus
Advanced Threat Defense
Ransomware Protection
Free Online Support
Web attack prevention
Wi-Fi Security Advisor
Online Banking Protection
VPN
Password Manager
Search Advisor
Anti-Phishing & Anti-Fraud
Vulnerability Scan
File Shredder
Webcam Protection
Firewall
Safe Files
Parental Control
File Encryption
Anti-Theft
Speed Up Your Devices

Each of the plans mentioned above allows the users to use them for free in a 30-day trial period, no matter which platform you wish to use the product.

Avast’s Pricing Plan

Avast anti-virus offers the best type of free program that one could hope for, and it is the reason why Avast's name is heard everywhere around the globe. It makes protection from virus all the more convenient for users who are not able to afford to purchase the platform due to several monetary constraints. The free app of avast offers malware protection of every kind, along with securing the Wi-Fi network.

avast products

The other pricing plan that Avast has at its disposal is Premium Security for a single device and the same program at an additional cost for multi-device support. Here are various price plans for Avast anti-virus software

  • Avast for Free – No hidden cost and you can use it on as many devices you want that carry Windows and macOS;
  • Avast Mobile Security app for Free – It is specifically designed for the users of Android and iOS, and you can get the product from the respective app stores of both platforms, i.e., the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store;
  • Avast Single-Device Premium Security – You can get this package for your Windows PC at $69.99 for one year, with a 30-days free trial. If you are a macOS user, then Avast offers you the same package at $59.99/year;
  • Avast Multi-Device Premium Security – It is available for up to 10 different devices, for just $89.99/year, which is only $20 more than the single device package. This offer will also allow you to share the package and budget with your family and friend.

Avast also provides a 2-year and a 3-year deal to anti-virus enthusiasts who are looking to commit for a lengthy period. The price plans are as follows:

Avast Single-Device Premium Security:

  • 2-year single-device plan is available for the cost of $139.99 per year;
  • 3-year single-device plan is open for the fee of $209.99 per year;

Avast Multi-Device Premium Security:

  • The 2-year 10-device plan is available for the cost of $179.99 per year;
  • The 3-year 10-device plan is open for the fee of $269.99 per year;

 

  avastavast avast avast

Internet Security

avastavast avast avast

Premier

avastavast avast avast

Ultimate

Intelligent antivirus
CyberCapture
Smart Scan
Wi-Fi Inspector
Passwords
Behavior Shield
Game Mode
Browser Cleanup
Sandbox
Passive Mode
Real Site
Ransomware Shield
Firewall
Anti-spam
Webcam Shield
Automatic Software Updater
Data Shredder
CleanUp Premium
SecureLine VPN

Even though Avast has an excellent free version of the software, BitDefender has won this round based on the sole reason that it is more accessible for the user with its much cheaper rates and extensive cross-platform support.

BitDefender’s variation of plans allows the average user a sense of freedom to pick the best possible package for them, unlike Avast, which only gives one type of policy. The price plans of Avast are a touch too high for single users looking to protect their device from harm.

Winner: BitDefender

Bitdefender has shown better results than Avast in antivirus protection test

Once you figure out the pricing and your budget, then it is time to toss it on the side and talk about the protection aspect of both Avast and Bitdefender. Offering protection against several dangerous viruses on the world of the internet and the casual file transfer is the number one job of an anti-virus program. If it is unable to give the user a heads up and kill the pesky bug from ruining any data on the computer, then there is no point is those pop-up messages interrupting your video stream and gaming session, every other second.

In this part, we will take a brief look into the most crucial protection aspect of Avast and Bitdefender based on tests like drive-by attacks, zero-day malware, files downloaded from websites, attacks via emails that are infected and others.

Avast’s Protection Policy

According to our tests, based on the measuring mentioned above methods, Avast has scored a perfect 9.9 out of 10, when it comes to offering protection to its users. Avast scored 99.1% against zero-day malware based on 425 used samples and got an even better 100% industry average for detection of widespread and prevalent malware, with the help of 19800+ testers.

 

Industry Average

December January
Protection against 0-day malware attacks(Real-World Testing) – 425 samples used

99.1%

100%

100%

Detection of malware discovered in the past 4 weeks since the test – 19852 samples used

100%

100%

100%

Protection Score: 9.9 out of 10

Followed with the conventional means of scanning, you can achieve protection while surfing on the internet with the assistance of Avast’s browser protection. Such kind of unique functionality and excellent scores on the test results, Avast puts you in a safe place against things that mean to cause your data and device every type of harm.

BitDefender’s Protection Policy

Similar to Avast, all the protection characteristics of BitDefender are also based on tests performed through the screening methods determined by our tests. The same number of 425 samples were availed to check its protection against malware by running the device through ill-conceived websites and other nests of deadly computer viruses. Our tests also bid the same number of samples to test BitDefender’s ability to detect recent malware that had come in the past four weeks.

According to the test result based on the level of protection available in January 2020 offered by BitDefender for the users, it got the topmost “Top” rating.

 

Industry Average

December January
Protection against 0-day malware attacks(Real-World Testing) – 425 samples used

99.8%

100%

100%

Detection of malware discovered in the past 4 weeks since the test – 19852 samples used

100%

100%

100%

Protection Score: 10 out of 10

Although the level of real-world protection offered to the users on the Windows PC was pretty close, and there was no point in separating the two to determine the real winner. To conclude, BitDefender wins the round of protection as well.

Protection rate avastBitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast bitdefenderBitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast
Protection agains 0-day malware attacks (web and email threats) 100% 100%
Detection of most common spread malware in last 4 years 100% 100%
Protection Score 9.9 10

Winner: BitDefender

Avast has shown worse results on the system performance impact test comparing to Bitdefender

Much like any heavy-handed applications available on the market today, an anti-virus program also tends to leave a substantial impact on the performance of the computer that they operate on for the sake of protection. Such effects involve the inability of the PC to perform its other function at the usual pace in order to compensate for the anti-virus app, which works silently yet loudly in the background. These virus killers take a lot of computer memory to function correctly, which is why you will feel a drop in the speed of your browser, your office applications, and much more.

Your PC’s battery could also run out before the average time. If the performance impact is not on the higher side, then it defeats the purpose of getting an anti-virus app in the first place. It is because no matter how amazing you are in offering protection, if you do not allow the computer to breathe, then there is a high chance that some viruses will skip through the scan and harm the machine even more. It is also the responsibility of the user to update their PC to meet the latest advancement in technology and to keep up with the specifications of the anti-virus, or any application, for a matter of fact. In this section, we will compare the results of the impact on the performance of the PC caused by both BitDefender and Avast.

Avast’s Performance

After analyzing and checking out different aspects of the Avast anti-virus application, we have concluded that despite the full scan taking as much as a full hour to complete, there isn’t any significant impact on the performance of the PC, while you have Avast powered on in the background or during the scan. The most recent test gave Avast a score of 9.5 out of 10. Here are some of the stats related to the performance of the system while doing different choirs:

  • Impact on the PC while launching popular websites(49 websites were visited) – 23% (industry average – 14%).
  • Sluggish downloading of frequently-used applications (20 apps were used) – 1% (industry average – 1%).
  • While opening a standard software program (12 test cases were applied) – 10% (industry average – 13%).
  • Sluggish installation of frequently-used programs(19 apps were installed) – 27% (industry average – 18%).
  • Slower copying of files (8,237 files copied) – 4% (industry average – 3%).

BitDefender's Performance

According to the latest tests, the Bitdefender antivirus system got 10 out of 10 as it demonstrated high-performance rates.

  • Impact on the computer while launching the most used or popular websites(49 websites were visited) – 16% (industry average – 14%).
  • Slower downloading detection of frequently-used applications(20 apps were used) – 1% (industry average – 1%).
  • During complete access to a standard software program (12 test cases were applied) – 8% (industry average – 13%).
  • Sluggish installation of frequently-used Applications(19 apps were installed) – 18% (industry average – 27%).
  • Latency in the copying of files (8,237 files copied) – 1% (industry average – 4%).

According to our tests, Avast is the number one anti-virus program in the world that upholds the performance of the computer while offering side-by-side protection to the user. Although BitDefender did score a perfect 10 out of 10 in the testing result, the round of system performance based on the rating, as mentioned earlier, finally goes to Avast.

System-performance avastBitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast bitdefenderBitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast
Impact on the PC while launching the most used or popular websites
(industry average – 14%)
23% 16%
Sluggish downloading of frequently-used applications
(industry average – 1%)
1% 1%
While opening a standard software program
(industry average – 13%)
10% 8%
Sluggish installation of frequently-used programs
(industry average – 18%)
27% 18%
Slower copying of files
(industry average – 3%)
4% 1%
Overall rating 9.5 9.8

Winner: Bitdefender

Both software has many useful features for PC security

Features are like bullets of a gun, without them, the weapon would be just a showpiece and pretty much useless. The features of any app, most importantly, an anti-virus is what makes or breaks the application and determines how well they would go in regards to user consumption and satisfaction. Here we are going to check and talk about different features of Avast and BitDefender involving user security and figure out which one is better than the other.

The Features of BitDefender

Thanks to its extensive package plans, there is a broad range of features that BitDefender offers to the user. But if you are looking to get foolproof protection against the growing threats of internet viruses, then you need to get the “Total Security” package of BitDefender as the most cost-effective plan “Antivirus Plus” only offer protection against malware and other viruses, without features like online attack protection and parental control, which enables the user to block specific type of content online.

BitDefender offers the VPN program, which allows you to consume up to 200MB per day to access restricted content in your region. Along with that, you can get a robust password manager to safeguard your valuable data and information, such as passwords and payment information. Other key features include Webcam protection that will let you know if there is something seriously wrong with your PC’s built-in camera.

The Rescue Mode offers durable protection against ransomware and malware by scanning every downloaded or transferred document on the computer as soon as it touches the storage space. In such a reasonable price range, BitDefender is undoubtedly among the best anti-virus programs.

The features of AVAST antivirus software

If you use the free version of Avast, then you have full access to regulate the antivirus facility of the software that is more than capable of responding correctly to malware and ransomware. But with the premium package of Avast antivirus software, you can see the magic happen with utilities like a VPN, password manager, data shredder, and much more.

Here is the list of all the features that Avast offers to its premium package holders:

  • You will get permission to access malicious sites with the Real site utility as they are the natural hub of the viruses such as malware;
  • If you wish to look into such malicious sites, then with the Sandbox feature, you can check them in a safe mode without the malware touching your system;
  • If you do not wish to keep your account details on mediums like Google, then with Avast’s Password Manager facility, you can easily manage them in a secure environment;
  • Your home network is most vulnerable, and it could get hacked by criminals, but with the Wi-Fi Inspector of Avast, you will know the faults of your connection so that you could remedy them accordingly;
  • Deleted data can be recovered pretty quickly by anyone. If you do not want it to be recovered, then with the Data Shredder of Avast, you can erase it beyond recognition;
  • If you wish to obtain complete anonymity online while accessing the restricted content in your areas, then with the Secure Line VPN of Avast, you can remain safe from anyone by opening any of its 54 server locations in more than 34 countries;
  • Once we delete some old files or apps from the computer, it leaves its residue behind in the form of cache memory or registry files. The Cleanup utility of Avast removes each of them and enhances the working efficiency of the system;
  • Hackers and other agencies can easily hack our webcam. You can avoid such behavior by initiating Avast’s Webcam Shield prevents.

Winner: Tie(AVAST & Bitdefender)

Bitdefender has more developed customer support service than Avast

In this section of the neck to neck comparison of the two most popular and efficient Anti-Virus programs, we will talk about their customer care service. What type of program are they offering and how different they are from one another.

BitDefender’s Customer Support Service:

BitDefender openly allows its customer to interact with through its customer support program to solve any anti-virus problem by providing options like Live chat, email support, open forum, and the call feature.

The vendor has a team of expert ready to do their job and respond to any query at once. Other means of information that will allow you to bypass the customer support representative is the popular how-to guides that feature superb easy to the eye animations. BitDefender’s support section also has pre-designed answers to several common questions that the majority of the users carry with at the start of the purchase.

Avast Antivirus’s Customer Support Service:

Despite the convenience that the user-friendly interface of the Avast anti-virus carries with itself, you can access the support section of Avast to learn about any problems that you may face with the application or regarding some online threats. The customer support is divided into four categories, which includes Installation and activation, refund request, subscription & account, and Billings.

Sadly, Avast doesn’t have a live chat option, but you can avail the public forum of Avast, which allows different experts and frequent users to interact with each other and share common Anti-virus problems.

Winner: Bitdefender

Avast has a more user-friendly interface than Bitdefender

Avast has come a long way in making its interface less annoying for the everyday user. While watching a movie on the computer system with the headphones on, Avast’s pop-up notification used to hammer our ears and brain with the notification tune.

avast user interface 2020avast user interface 2020

Avast Antivirus now gives a “Do Not Disturb” mode, that disallows the pop-ups to bounce on the news of a virus detection every other second. Other than that, it has a pretty intuitive interface with a dark mode and easy to scan feature.

However, there is a lot of things that need some immediate fixing, primarily features such as the “App Exception,” which took a lot of digging for us to find. All the key options are available on the left side of the screen, which includes status, protection, privacy, and performance options.

bitdefender user interface 2020bitdefender user interface 2020

The final verdict is that even though both Antivirus programs have amazing features and a convenient interface for the users to scan their virus-infected files/folder, Avast’s interface is far superior to BitDefender.

Winner: Avast

The Market Share Comparison of Avast and BitDefender

According to the information gathered with the help of OPSWAT’s “Windows Anti-Malware Market Share Report, November 2019,” BitDefender controls 10.49% of the market shares at the third spot as compared to Avast's 7.95% sitting comfortably on the fourth position. And with 12.67 control of the market, McAfee is the currently the number anti-virus program in the world.

Ranking Antivirus Software Market Share

Manufacturer/Brand Market share
Bitdefender VS Avast 13.67%
Bitdefender VS Avast 12.94%
eset 12.98%
bitdefenderBitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast 10.06%
avastBitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast 9.09%
webrootwebroot 7.45%
Bitdefender VS Avast 6.4%

Bitdefender VS Avast

4.68%
Cylance Inc. 4.19%
Trend Micro 3.67%
Other 15%

Winner: ESET Antivirus Software.

In a battle Bitdefender versus Avast wins Bitdefender

In this article, we judged all the good and the bads of Bitdefener and Avast antivirus software that are among the most recognizable antivirus products in the world. We concluded that Bitdefender antivirus software was the winner of this contest against Avast after checking out various aspects like their pricing policy, the protection rating, and how well they performed with an average system.

  avastBitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast bitdefenderBitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast Bitdefender VS Avast

Antivirus protection

9.9 10

System-performance impact

9.5 9.8

User interface

10 8

Popularity

8

9
Overall rating 9.5

9.8

Pricing From $55.99 / 1 device / year

From $19.99 / 3 devices / year

Discount for our readers

-20% Off

-50% Off

About the author
Tomas Statkus
Tomas Statkus - Team leader

Tomas Statkus is an IT specialist, the team leader, and the founder of Reviewedbypro.com. He has worked in the IT area for over 10 years.

Contact Tomas Statkus
About the company Esolutions

What to choose: Bitdefender or Avast? Find out which one is better for your PC security snapshot
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